The symptoms of breast cancer vary from person to person, but they usually develop gradually. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. There are a number of symptoms that indicate breast cancer. Changes in the breast are also common, but not all of them mean you have cancer.
Here are the symptoms you should look out for:
- A change in the skin texture of your breasts. This is a common sign that something is not right, and can appear on one or both breasts.
- Pain or tenderness in your breasts. Breast cancer can cause pain, usually in the underarm or in the breast.
- A lump or mass in your breast. Lumps and masses are usually caused by cysts or thickening of the breast tissue. These can be itchy, but they can also be painful.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Rapid or irregular menstrual periods.
- Breast changes. In women, breast changes can include swelling, unevenness or dimpling.
- In breast cancer, the nipples can become red, swollen and swollen. They can also appear puckered or asymmetrical.
- If the lump is soft and moveable, or feels firm and immobile, it could be a cyst. Cysts develop from cells called breastmilk duct cells that can multiply and form a sac.
Though these symptoms could also be caused by other conditions, such as cysts, it’s helpful to have them checked by your doctor, especially if they’re new, worrisome or persistent.
Some breast cancers cause no symptoms or only mild ones. Others produce symptoms early on, before any of cancer has spread. If you’re worried about something, it’s best to talk to your doctor. He or she can help diagnose and treat your condition. If you are at increased risk of breast cancer, consider taking a screening mammogram. This X-ray of the breasts can detect changes in the breasts before they’re large enough to be felt.
